Tamil Nadu CM Warns Officials To Prevent Deaths During Cleaning Of Sewers Or Face Action

MK Stalin said, "In future, if due precautions are not taken, then strict action will be taken against the officials responsible for the sewer deaths."

Stalin attended a review meeting on measures taken to prevent the deaths of manual scavengers on Monday (File Photo)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin warned officials of stringent action if deaths occur during sewer and cesspools cleaning. The CM  said that the state government has a responsibility to prevent deaths due to manual scavenging and it is a black mark to the society.

On Monday, Stalin attended a review meeting on measures taken to prevent the deaths of manual scavengers at the Secretariat. Speaking at the meeting, Stalin said, Tamil Nadu is a developed state with good growth indicators but it lags behind in one aspect. 

He said, "The number of people who die while cleaning sewage tanks is high. This is very painful. It is the responsibility of this government to avoid it. Such deaths mostly take place in urban areas."

Stalin said that the officials were not paying enough attention to the matter. He said, "I request the Additional Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration Department, to make this project fully operational in the next four months. Also, without waiting for this new project, the officials should act keeping in mind that no deaths should occur in Tamil Nadu." 

"From this, it is clear that when casualties occur, no protocol has been laid down on how to handle the situation and the steps to be taken immediately. In order to avoid this, I request the Additional Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration, to formulate proper guidelines as soon as possible," CM said, as per PTI.

He warned that if the precautions are not taken in the future then strict action would be taken against the officials responsible for the deaths.

During the meeting, a  Memorandum of Understanding was signed in his presence by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) and Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on February 20 to end the loss of life of workers due to manual scavengers.